I went camping last week with my family and confirmed what I knew to be true in my heart… I don’t really like camping! I made this no secret via Twitter.
There’s lots of reasons to support my disdain, but the bottom line behind my dislike of camping is that I like being in control. Camping exposed and amplified that reality—there’s just too many variables to be in control.
When I began to really think about my “need for control” it hit me clearly that control and faith don’t co-exist.
My need for control expresses my lack of faith.
In Matthew 8, this Roman officer understood control—he was familiar to being in control. Control of others… Control of decisions… Control of situations. Control of himself. But no amount of control could heal his servant. He was out of control… and, thru faith, he handed control over to Jesus.
This officer came to a faith conclusion and gave up control. He recognized that he wasn’t worthy… but Jesus was worthy.
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel! Matthew 8:10
My guess is that Jesus isn’t amazed by me trying to control and fix everything myself. Could it be that Jesus is amazed when you and I lose control?
A lot to think about… but, I’m still not going camping again.
Thoughts? Share them here.
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